Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Interview with Joyce's Client Lisa Harris

I’m pleased to introduce Lisa Harris this morning. Lisa and Scott and their three children are missionaries serving in Mozambique. She works as a missionary, a homemaker, home schools her children and writes wonderful books.

Lisa, tell us about your life on the mission field as a writer.

Most of my days are filled with the same things I did while living in the States--cooking, cleaning, homework with the kids, and grocery shopping. The catch is that everything takes a whole lot longer in Mozambique. For example, there are no fast food restaurants within a couple hundred miles, so dinner is always made from scratch. And no English schools means that we now home school. On the positive side, I love having my kids involved first hand in our ministry, the flexibility to travel with my husband, and the occasional trip into the African bush to photograph the wildlife.

How do you ever find time to write?

This has become my greatest challenge lately. J It was easier when our kids were in the local school system in South Africa, but living in Mozambique has brought with it new adventures as well as challenges. I’ve had to cut back on anything extra and focus on family, ministry, and writing. There are times when I feel like I’m treading water, as most of us probably do, but I’m trying to learn to take one day at a time and enjoy my family and the life God has called us to.

You have a two book contract with Zondervan, tell us about that series.

I’m so excited about this series as it is something I’ve longed to write for a very long time. The series centers around a fictional nonprofit, medical organization called Volunteers for Hope. Each book highlights people who come to the continent to make a difference. In the process, faced with extraordinary circumstances, they will have their lives changed not only through the challenges they face as these two worlds collide, but also through their reliance on God. Book one will be released in March.

Here’s a blub about book one, Blood Ransom: Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever. Natalie Sinclair and Dr. Chad Talcott want to make a difference in under-developed African villages … but they didn’t count on risking their lives in the process. Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.

What new project are you working on?

I’m currently working on book two in the series. Blood Covenant is about an overpopulated African refuge camp where an outbreak of measles erupts and renegade soldiers block their only way out.

You were able to come back to the States for the ACFW Conference and are now in Texas for a few months. Your husband’s uncle, who is your mentor and co-worker on the mission field came home with a brain tumor. How is he doing and how long will you be stateside?

While it’s been a trying time for the family, we’ve all been blessed by the amount of prayer support. He’s currently doing better than expected as he finishes up the last two weeks of his chemo and radiation. And while we know there is still a hard road ahead, we know God is in control. We will be in the States through mid-November as we help them work through some of the logistics of the situation.

How have you overcome obstacles in your writing and in getting your manuscripts and proposals to me and to your editors?

Without you and the blessing of the Internet, I’d never be able to accomplish what I have done. I’m able to send manuscripts over the Internet, do edits, and even belong to a critique group. And being ahead six or seven hours from my editors has also come in handy a time or two when I’m facing a tight deadline.

What words of advice and encouragement do you have for writers just starting out?

I always tell people that writing is a hard long journey, though worth it if they want to put in the time and energy it takes. You have to respond to rejections with a huge dose of tenacity, spend long hours writing at the computer alone, and never stop learning and growing in the craft. Hook up with a writing organization like American Christian Fiction Writers, join a critique group, and attend a few conferences to meet others in the business.

What made you decide to become a Christian writer?

As a Christian I believe strongly that everything I does needs to bring glory to my Heavenly Father. And while I want my stories to entertain, I hope they encourage people spiritually as well.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Someone recently asked me how long I’d had my agent, and I was surprised when I realized that you and I have been working together for almost eight years (I’m pretty sure that’s right). I’ve been blessed with your friendship and constant encouragement through many of years of both rejections and successes. Thank you!

I thank you too, Lisa, it’s a joy to work with you. As a missionary you are special to me. I know the sacrifices and constant adjustments missionary families have to make, like the times when we’re praying that your electricity and water will stay on J Ministry is not always easy either here in the states or abroad, but it is a privilege to work for Him. I’m glad we’ve been able to be a team to get your stories published.

MEET THE HARTLINE AGENTS

Joyce Hart, Owner and principal agent

Joyce Hart, owner and principal agent of Hartline Literary Agency has been a literary agent for more than a decade. She was formerly the vice president of marketing of an inspirational publishing company and as the president of Hartline Marketing has nearly thirty-two years of successful experience marketing and promoting books. Joyce has been a pioneer in selling high-quality fiction to the inspirational market and has built an excellent rapport with leading inspirational publishers. A member of ACFW, and the National Association of Professional Women, Joyce is a graduate of Open Bible College, Des Moines, IA now merged with Eugene Bible College in Eugene, Oregon. Joyce is based at Hartline Literary's Pittsburgh headquarters.

Diana Flegal, Agent

Diana currently lives in Asheville NC. A Bible College major in Missions and Anthropology, Diana has been a medical missionary to Haiti, a women's speaker and bible study leader. One of her life's highlights has been teaching apologetics to high school students as preparatory for college. Avid reader and intuitive editor, Diana's represents nonfiction and well written fiction. She has a passion for getting great writers published.

Jim Hart, Agent

Jim Hart is looking for authors who can write unique and engaging fictional suspense, romance, women’s fiction, historical fiction and some sci-fi. Jim is also interested in non-fiction regarding church growth, Christian living, and self-help. Keep in mind that non-fiction topics require a certain level of credentials, experience and expertise. The author will need an appropriate platform to present a non-fiction proposal.

Currently Jim is not looking at children’s, young adult or Biblical fiction proposals.

He holds a degree in Production Journalism and worked for twenty years in direct mail advertising before taking a job with an urban social services agency, where he worked for twelve years. All during his professional career, Jim has served with the local church doing youth ministry and music/worship ministry. He is a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, and serves part-time as Worship Pastor in his local church in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Linda Glaz, Agent

Linda is an experienced editor, reviewer and writer, and for a couple of years was a final reader for Wild Rose Press, then for White Rose Publishing and she worked as an editorial assistant for Hartline Agent Terry Burns. She has judged for numerous contests including the Genesis for the American Christian Fiction Writers, as well as the Emily Award for the West Houston Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. She has been on the faculty for Faithwriters.com annual conference, Maranatha, and is slated for numerous others in 2013. Linda understands writers because she's a writer herself with 4 books releasing in 2013.linda@hartlineliterary.comhttp://lindaglaz.blogspot.com/

Andy Scheer, Agent

Andy has a wealth of experience as a publishing professional with over 18 years as the managing editor of Moody Magazine, 8 years as the managing editor for the Christian Writer’s Guild, and as a free-lance writer and editor. He is a frequent instructor at writing conferences around the country. A journalism graduate from Colorado State University, he also attended Denver Seminary. Andy is a consummate professional and will be a great addition to the Hartline team.